LAGOS APPROVES SETTING UP OF EMERGENCY VOLUNTEER GROUPS ACROSS ALL LGS-AMBODE

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday stated that approval has been granted for setting up of Emergency Management Volunteer Groups across all the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in the State.

The Governor spoke at the BlueRoof Hall, LTV Complex, Agidingbi, during a Stakeholders meeting on Public Advocacy for the Prevention, Mitigation and Rescue of Emergency occurrence in the State.

Mr Ambode who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello said the State Government is also developing a robust Emergency Response Plan by expanding the scope of the Local Emergency Management Committee at the Local Governments and Local Development Areas.

“As part of our commitment to increasing the response capability of our stakeholders and cooperation among stakeholders, I have approved quarterly stakeholders meetings to create synergy among professionals and practitioners while serving as a platform for generation of strategies for disaster management and capacity building”

“We have initiated this stakeholders Meeting on Public Advocacy on the Prevention, Mitigation and Rescue of Emergency occurences in Lagos State as a means of fine-tuning strategies, as well as injection of new and innovative ideas”, he said.

He stated that as part of the proactive strategy the administration, it has commenced the process of construction of the third Relief Camp in Ibeju Lekki to complement the already completed ones at Agbowa and Igando.

He used the opportunity to invite various organizations to partner with the State Government towards attaining the vision of the Centre of Excellence as a safe haven for everyone.

The Governor described the meeting as a clear testimony of the present administration’s to increasing capability and cooperation among state agencies charged with disaster and emergency management as first responders.

While giving a commitment that the present administration is committed to ensuring a safer Lagos for everyone, he maintained that government will diligently consider and implement all credible suggestions that have resulted from the forum.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relation, Mr Seye Oladejo said the Stakeholders Forum was convened to draw attention to causes of emergencies and disasters and proffer possible solutions.

Mr Oladejo added that it is the hope of the government that at the end of the day, residents would have been sufficiently equipped to respond to emergencies when they occur.

The meeting featured presentations from stakeholders including the State Fire Service, the State Safety Commission, the Ministry of the Environment, the Rapid Response Squad, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

The event attracted several dignitaries including the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Henry Ajomale, the Vice Chairman, Cardinal James Odumbaku, Women leader, Chief (Mrs) Kemi Nelson and several guests.